Healthcare Employment Challenges: Why Do Qualifications Matter?

Good day everyone,

I am Prof. (Dr.) Usha Dabas, Director and faculty at Springfield College, Brampton. With years of experience in healthcare education, I have devoted my career to equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundation needed to thrive in an ever-evolving and demanding healthcare industry.

After much thoughtful reflection, I felt a strong personal urge to share my perspective on a pressing issue that is affecting us all in today’s time. Accordingly, I have chosen this platform to engage in a somewhat extended conversation about a serious and timely concern: “Healthcare Employment Challenges: Why Do Qualifications Matter?” This topic highlights the growing workforce challenges within the Canadian healthcare system, particularly the pressing concerns around the quality and qualifications of individuals entering the healthcare assisting field. As these challenges continue to impact the standard of care and the sustainability of the system, it’s more important than ever to examine why qualifications truly matter.

Recently, at Springfield college, we have observed a significant surge in inquiries and demand for healthcare certificate programs—particularly one-day workshop certificates—from job seekers with no prior healthcare qualification. It’s important to clarify that these clinical skills certificate programs are designed specifically for individuals with existing backgrounds in healthcare, such as medical, dental, or other allied health professions. These certificates are meant to supplement the existing knowledge and skills of individuals who are already trained in these areas, meet professional requirements, and possess relevant qualifications. However, many job seekers—particularly those without a background in healthcare—approach for these programs with a sense of urgency, hoping that a brief one- or two-day workshop (often the cheapest and quickest option) will suffice to secure permanent employment in the healthcare sector, including positions in hospitals and medical offices.

While I deeply empathize with individuals striving to find employment in these difficult times, it is crucial for job seekers to recognize the distinction between healthcare and non-healthcare jobs. Healthcare roles demand specialized knowledge and qualification in the field, rigorous training, and practical experience to ensure safe and effective patient care. Short-term programs—such as one- or two-day healthcare workshops—are insufficient to properly equip individuals without a formal healthcare background for clinical roles. Moreover, a growing number of candidates from non-healthcare fields are increasingly drawn to these certifications, seeking the fastest and cheapest route, fueled by the perception that launching a cosmetic or aesthetic business from home presents a low-cost shortcut to financial success. In their pursuit of the cheapest path to prosperity, many fail to recognize the ethical, legal, and regulatory responsibilities involved in clinical healthcare practice. These individuals are often unaware of the scope of practice limitations, licensing requirements, and public safety risks associated with performing medical or aesthetic procedures without formal training, supervision, or appropriate credentials. This trend raises important questions about how healthcare roles are perceived by prospective job seekers and underscores the need for clear guidance, professional standards, and public education to ensure safe and ethicolegal practice.

As per the versions of many candidates placing inquiries, many individuals without formal healthcare education have already secured significant roles in medical and specialist offices and hospitals, and these positions were offered by none other than medical office representatives themselves working as managers in hospitals and medical offices, with the sole hiring requirement being the completion of a one-day healthcare workshop certificate—with no further educational or skill-based requirements! Even more concerning is the fact that many of them are even teenagers with just schooling completed or yet to complete, probably misrepresenting their age or credentials to gain access to roles that require a high level of competence, accountability, and professional integrity. 

I would like to narrate a real-life experience of a patient, a healthcare professional (HCP) herself, in her own words-"During my recent annual check-up, I encountered the same startling reality firsthand, when I had a medical encounter with a very young, seemingly inexperienced medical assistant. She measured my blood pressure incorrectly, recording a significantly elevated reading—162/95, whereas my normal range is between 115-125/70-75, which is very normal. Due to her wrong way of performing, I got severely elevated BP and was wrongly diagnosed with hypertension! I immediately realized her mistake. I didn't trust her readings, so on my request, when the doctor himself measured, it showed- 121/75, which was absolutely normal for me. In another instance, I observed a medical assistant administering an intramuscular injection at an incorrect site on a patient, causing excessive postoperative bleeding and severe pain (which is not normal) for the patient with raised anxiety and fear. What was more shocking was that even after making such grave errors, these assistants were unconcerned and indifferent about the ill effects of their unprofessional and harmful works and refused to admit their mistakes. They took the situation lightly and casually moved on to attend to other patients in those very busy medical clinics! yet, in a separate incident, a seemingly untrained medical assistant, struggled to find a suitable vein while collecting blood from one of my relatives. After multiple attempts and without following proper protocols, the blood was finally drawn, but it resulted in excessive postoperative bleeding, along with bruises and pain that lasted for nearly three weeks. Such incidents raise serious concerns about the competency and training of healthcare assistants. How can patients have confidence in the quality and professionalism of medical personnel when such errors occur? Not to forget, assistants those working with the patients, directly handle live patients—drawing blood, preparing samples, administering medications, and performing other critical procedures. Entrusting such duties to inadequately trained or unqualified individuals not only jeopardizes patient safety but also undermines the integrity of the healthcare system as a whole."

IMHO, at a time when qualified candidates are available, including graduates from accredited medical and healthcare programs, internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs), and internationally trained nurses (INGs), it is unjustified to hire underqualified individuals for skillful healthcare jobs. Whether driven by cost-cutting measures, convenience, or personal connections, such hiring practices are not only inappropriate, but they are also dangerous, which compromise patient safety, diminish the quality of care, and erode public trust in the healthcare system. Prioritizing any incentives (other than quality patient care) over professional competence undermines the very foundation of ethical medical practice.

I feel, addressing healthcare employment challenges and ensuring competency in hiring is a crucial call to action in the present time of healthcare crisis. To safeguard public health, it is imperative that all aspiring healthcare workers complete formal education and obtain proper, mandatory certification/degree/diploma from accredited Canadian institutions if and when needed. Simply attending a 1- or 2-days workshop program alone without adequate healthcare qualification cannot substitute for the mandatory qualification, knowledge and skills required to perform healthcare duties safely and competently.

To all healthcare job seekers: Please remember- Healthcare is not just a job or an opportunity—it is a responsibility - a commitment to self, your patients and society. Patients place immense trust in your expertise, often unaware of any gaps in your training or credentials. That trust must be honored with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This message serves as a crucial reminder for both healthcare recruiters and job seekers. Hiring decisions should also prioritize qualifications, competency, and ethicolegal considerations to protect patients and uphold the integrity of the profession. 

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this important issue. I welcome your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on the topic.

📚 Original article available at ushadabas.ca.

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